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FAQs

Do you have landscaping questions? Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear. Feel free to contact us by calling (260) 657-5404 with additional questions.

Q: Is it better to water daily during droughts or not water at all?
A: The answer really depends on the type of plants in question. For annual flowers planted in beds, it is best to water every day or two. Annuals planted in containers require daily watering. For newly planted trees and shrubs, a thorough watering once a week should be sufficient, however some shrubs, like barberry require more frequent watering - usually twice weekly. Well established trees and shrubs should be thoroughly watered about every other week to guard against heat stress.

When it comes to lawns, the type of grass in question will determine watering needs. In general, however, growing lawns should be watered as often as twice to three times weekly. If you have allowed your lawn to go dormant you should still give it a healthy watering every 2 to 3 weeks in order to keep the root system from dying.

A basic rule of thumb is that early morning watering is preferable and you should always water slowly in order to avoid run off. Be sure to thoroughly soak the ground surface and ensure that moisture reaches the root systems. If using organic mulch remember that it can deflect and absorb water intended for your plants. If possible, the use of soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems is ideal.

Q: How do I prepare my lawn for winter?
A: At the end of the growing season (mid to late fall) you should mow your lawn but remember it is going into dormancy so be careful not to cut it too short. About a 2 inch cutting height is appropriate for most grass types. Next make sure that your lawn is free from leaves and thatch (matted grass clippings and other debris) that can deprive the root systems of air and moisture.

This is also a good time of year to perform a soil test. If your soil is deficient in lime this is the ideal time to apply the recommended amount. Soil tests are not necessary on an annual basis but you should test your soil every 3 to 5 years and address any deficiencies you may discover.

The late fall is also the time to apply a good winterizer type fertilizer to your lawn. Winterizers typically contain high levels of potassium that increases hardiness and disease resistance. If applying both lime and fertilizer it is best to apply the fertilizer first and allow 2 weeks before applying the lime.

Q: When is the best time to seed or sod your lawn, spring or fall?
A: Many people consider spring the best time to seed and sod but autumn is actually the optimal time of year. By seeding or laying sod in the fall you are providing tender vegetation with 2 cool growing seasons before subjecting them to the heat and dryness of summer. Your new grass will also face less competition from weeds which tend to be more prevalent in spring.

Q: What is the best material for lining my garden pond, rubber or cement?
A: Ponds and water features can be lined with cement; however cement will deteriorate and crack in time unless it is heavily reinforced with steel. This can be extremely expensive and requires a great deal of knowledge of installation techniques.

Rubber liners are extremely durable and offer the added benefit of flexibility which allows them to conform to irregularities and shifting in the surrounding terrain. Rubber liners also require less manpower to install and, depending on the mil rating, will last 20 years or more.

Q: What should I do if I tried everything to get rid of dandelions without success?
A: You might try eating them or brewing them into dandelion tea. Did you know that dandelions are a good source for vitamins A and C and that they have higher levels of beta carotene than carrots? The also have more potassium than spinach and broccoli and have been shown to improve liver, kidney and intestinal functions.

If you’re still determined to eliminate them from your lawn there are a number of natural and chemical herbicides that are effective if used properly but you must be patient as it is often necessary to re-treat heavy populations to ensure that the root systems have been destroyed.

Q: I have a slope near my house that's beginning to erode. I've tried to plant ground cover to stop this but the plants just wash away when it rains.How can I solve this problem?
A: Try covering the area with jute before planting. This biodegradable landscape netting is widely available and will prevent surface erosion and allow the plants time to become established. Eventually the jute will degrade and the plants can do the job of erosion control on their own.